Special “Homes” to Remember During the Holidays Wow, it’s already November! If you’re anything like me it seems as if the year just started and before we know it we’ll be ringing in a new one! With the “season” at hand our thoughts turn toward gratefulness, being thankful and giving gifts. It’s also the time of year to think of those less fortunate and in need. Considering charitable endeavors and reaching out to help others are wonderful things to add to your giving list. Whether it’s working at one of the Ronald McDonald Houses to help families who are dealing with medical issues or helping at Habitat for Humanity where you can assist in building a new home, your helping hands will be appreciated. Fisher House is another great place to go to support the families of wounded American Heroes who are recovering from severe injuries. Share the love at the RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE in Northern Virginia and in Washington, D.C. – “A home away from home” for sick children and their families. •Ronald McDonald House of Northern Virginia – Serving 3,600 families in the past 15 years 3312 Gallows Road Falls Church, VA 22042 703-698-7080 [email protected] – to request volunteer application Opened in 1998 on the campus of INOVA Fairfax Hospital, this home offers eight bedrooms, TV and family rooms, a kitchen and dining area, laundry, play room and teen game room. VOLUNTEERS can act as a GUEST CHEF, PACK GRAB & GO SNACK BAGS or HOST a WISH LIST DRIVE. •Ronald McDonald House of Greater Washington, D.C. 3727 14th St. NE Washington, D.C. 20017 202-529-8204 The doors opened in 1980 to serve patients from Children’s National Medical Center, Med Star Georgetown University Hospital, National Rehabilitation Hospital and other area hospitals. Offering 25 bedrooms, including four special isolation suites for the most immune-compromised patients and common areas. Additional VOLUNTEER jobs include ANSWERING PHONES, or being a SMILING FACE at the front door, PLANNING MENUS and GROCERY SHOPPING. FISHER HOUSE – Helping Military Families -25,000 families served in 2014, 6 million days of lodging. Offering Home Away from Home for families of patients who are recovering at military medical centers. During the holidays help with DECORATING THE HOUSE, CHILDREN’S TOY DRIVES, and GIFTS FOR THOSE STAYING. There are also WISH LIST ITEMS that can be donated throughout the year. In the spring and summer volunteers can TEND GARDENS, PLANT FLOWERS, and JOIN IN RACE WEEKENDS with Veterans. Contact community managers at: •Ft. Belvoir Community Hospital Rocky Calderon 703-805-5203 [email protected] •NSA Bethesda Home of Water Reed National Military Medical Center Mike Ybarra 301-319-5442 [email protected] •D.C. VA Medical Center Stacey Childs 202-745-2482 [email protected] •Donations can be sent to: 2010 Fisher House Foundation Inc. 111 Rockville Pike Suite 420 Rockville, MD 20850 888-294-8560 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY was founded in 1976 to address issues of poverty in housing throughout the world. Thousands of low-income families have found new hope in the form of affordable housing. Churches and Community Groups and individuals have joined in the creation of a solution to the problem. Volunteers over 16 and older are welcome at CONSTRUCTION SITES on Wednesday, Saturday and some Fridays. Sign up for orientation and safety training. Current sites are located on Clayborne Avenue in Fairfax, two single family homes in the Groveton Heights Neighborhood and five new townhouses in early stages on Stevenson Avenue in the City of Alexandria. Non-construction volunteers play an important part in doing other activities, such as, ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT, PHOTOGRAPHY AND COMMUNITY AMBASSADOR for SPECIAL OLYMPICS. Contact Liz Salter 703-521-9890 for more information. Children can get involved in a variety of ways including: designing a bulletin board in their school or church to spread the word, hold a bake sale, collect nickels for nails through collection jars, offer a car wash or create their own fundraiser. Donations of building supplies and appliances are also welcome at RE-STORES in Chantilly and Alexandria. Volunteers, as young as 12, can also work in the RE-STORES to assist with collection and distribution of goods. Call for more information or check out the website: http://www.habitat.org/loca Habitat for Humanly of Northern Virginia 6295 Edsall Road, Suite 120 Alexandria, VA 22312 703-521-9890 Charity begins at home… and there are several great “homes” from which to choose. Find what speaks to you and share your time and talents in the community. Tell your friends and make it a group activity. Your generosity and good deeds will be appreciated and you can take pride in knowing your efforts made a difference. It is never too late to join in community activities where you can help others, meet great people and make a difference.